Resources for Gardening & The Environment
Title | Available As | Summary | Date | ID | Author |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Urban Water-Quality Management: Insect Pests of Water Garden Plants | Aphids are often called plant lice. Several species are troublesome pests
on above-water leaves (a), stems, and flower buds of aquatic plants. These
sucking insects distort succulent new leaves, causing them to curl, wilt, or
turn yellow. |
Apr 8, 2015 | 426-040 (HORT-124P) | ||
Urban Water-Quality Management - What Is a Watershed? | May 1, 2009 | 426-041 | |||
Urban Water-Quality Management - Winterizing the Water Garden | Water gardens require maintenance
throughout the year.
Preparation for the winter months
is especially important for the
survival of both the aquatic plants
and the wildlife in and around
the pond. Some plants will not
tolerate winter weather and must
be removed from the pond while
cold-hardy plants need only to
be completely immersed in the
pond. |
Mar 19, 2015 | 426-042 (HORT-125P) | ||
Urban Water-Quality Management: Rain Garden Plants | A rain garden is a landscaped area specially designed to collect rainfall and storm-water runoff. The plants and soil in
the rain garden clean pollutants from the water as it seeps into the ground and evaporates back into the atmosphere.
For a rain garden to work, plants must be selected, installed, and maintained properly. |
Mar 18, 2015 | 426-043 (HORT-130P) | ||
Urban Water-Quality Management: Purchasing Aquatic Plants | Apr 8, 2015 | 426-044 (HORT-122P) | |||
Urban Water-Quality Management: Wildlife in the Home Pond Garden | Small home pond gardens support aquatic plants and
also attract a variety of wildlife. Turtles, frogs, birds,
snakes, lizards, and raccoons as well as many other
animals may use these ponds. Most wildlife needs
water to survive and will seek out ponds for drinking,
bathing, habitat, and in some cases, reproduction. |
Mar 19, 2015 | 426-045 (HORT-126P) | ||
Groundwater Quality and the Use of Lawn and Garden Chemicals by Homeowners | May 1, 2009 | 426-059 | |||
Invasive Plants -- A Horticultural Perspective | Apr 28, 2009 | 426-080 | |||
Planning the Vegetable Garden | How much time will you be able to devote to
your garden on a regular basis? The answer to this
question will dictate the size of your garden. You
must remember that, once planted, the garden will
have to be weeded once a week, irrigated during
droughts, and vegetables harvested when ripe.
Depending on the type of vegetables, you may also
need to undertake pest control measures. |
Dec 11, 2015 | 426-312 (HORT-209P) | ||
Soil Preparation | The ideal soil for a vegetable garden is deep, friable,
and well-drained with a high organic matter content.
Proper soil preparation provides the basis for good
seed germination and the subsequent growth of garden
crops. Careful use of various soil amendments can
improve garden soil and provide the best possible
starting ground for your crops. |
Aug 12, 2015 | 426-313 (HORT-191P) | ||
Environmental Horticulture: Guide to Nutrient Management | May 1, 2009 | 426-613 | |||
Pest Management for Water Quality | Research has shown that consumers find reading and understanding the label to be the most difficult aspect of applying
pesticides. However, an understanding of the label information is essential before work begins. The label printed
on or attached to a container of pesticide tells how to use it correctly and warns of any environmental or health safety
measures to take. Read the label when you purchase a pesticide and again before mixing or applying it. If you are
confused about any part of the label, consult your Extension agent or a representative of the company that makes the
product. Many pesticides now list a toll-free number for consumers. The label includes specific information that you
should be aware of and learn to understand.Diane Relf, Extension Specialist, Horticulture, Virginia Tech
Reviewed by David Close, Consumer Horticulture and Master Gardener Specialist, Horticulture, Virginia Tech |
Mar 18, 2015 | 426-615 (HORT-138P) | ||
Getting Started in the Production of Field-Grown, Specialty Cut Flowers | Specialty cut flowers are one of the most profitable field
crops you can grow. Lynn Byczynski, editor of Growing
For Market newsletter (see Resources section),
estimates a value of $25,000 to $35,000 per acre for
field-grown cuts. The most basic requirements are at
least half an acre of open, arable land, a rototiller, and,
of course, time and effort. This publication is directed to
those new to market gardening, but commercial vegetable
growers, tobacco farmers, and young people interested
in summer income are all potential candidates.
Even grain and livestock farmers have increased profitability
in their operations by adding cut flower production.
For many greenhouse and nursery operations,
mid-summer business is slower, relative to spring. A
field-grown cut flower business is a viable option to fill
in the summer production and cash flow gap. |
May 2, 2014 | 426-618 (HORT-71P) | ||
Making Compost from Yard Waste | Oct 18, 2012 | 426-703 (HORT-46P) | |||
Using Compost in Your Landscape | Jun 1, 2017 | 426-704 (HORT-251NP) | |||
Storing Pesticides Safely | Jun 1, 2017 | 426-705 (HORT-250NP) | |||
Choosing Pesticides Wisely | Healthy plants are less susceptible to attack by pests, and good cultural practices can reduce pest outbreaks. |
Jan 15, 2016 | 426-706 (HORT-202P) | ||
Understanding Pesticide Labels | Jan 14, 2016 | 426-707 (HORT-201P) | |||
Applying Pesticides Safely | Jan 19, 2016 | 426-710 (HORT-199P) | |||
Building Healthy Soil | Jun 1, 2017 | 426-711 (HORT-244NP) | |||
Conserving Energy with Landscaping | Well-placed plantings can significantly alter the microclimate around a home, resulting in a more comfortable environment and significant savings in heating and cooling costs over time. |
Apr 6, 2015 | 426-712 (HORT-110P) | ||
Creating a Water-Wise Landscape | Feb 3, 2016 | 426-713 (HORT-200P) | |||
Landscaping for Less in the Landfill | Jun 1, 2017 | 426-716 (HORT-243NP) | |||
Reducing Erosion and Runoff | Soil erosion occurs when soil particles are carried off by water or wind and
deposited somewhere else such as into a stream or at the bottom of a bay. Often soil
particles are carried by runoff, water that does not soak into the ground, but flows
over the surface and runs to another area – such as into stormdrains, streams, or
lakes. |
Jun 1, 2017 | 426-722(HORT-242NP) | ||
Home Landscape Practices to Protect Water Quality | In Virginia, we rely on reservoir systems, wells, and other sources for our freshwater.
In recent years, our previously plentiful clean water supplies have been threatened
not only by overuse, but also by contamination. Pollutants are carried down with water
soaking through the soil to the water table. Runoff (water that does not soak into the
ground) flows over the surface, often taking soil and polluting chemicals with it into
lakes and streams. |
Jul 7, 2017 | 426-723 (HORT-246NP) | ||
Mulching for a Healthy Landscape | Soil erosion occurs when soil particles are carried off by water or wind and
deposited somewhere else such as into a stream or at the bottom of a bay. Often soil
particles are carried by runoff, water that does not soak into the ground, but flows
over the surface and runs to another area – such as into stormdrains, streams, or
lakes. |
Jun 1, 2017 | 426-724 (HORT-241NP) | ||
Reducing Pesticide Use in the Home Lawn and Garden | Pesticide use affects the quality of human health, the environment, and nontarget organisms in the ecosystem. Therefore, any pesticide application warrants a careful assessment of the expected benefits and risks. Too often, however, homeowners use pesticides inappropriately or without careful consideration of alternatives. This fact sheet outlines general pest control tactics that can easily be implemented for home lawns and gardens, along with other information that home owners can use to make sound pest management decisions. The intent is to ensure that homeowners are aware of alternative control tactics and pesticide characteristics, and that pesticides are used properly and only when necessary. |
Apr 29, 2015 | 450-725 (PPWS-56P) | ||
Botryosphaeria Canker and Dieback of Trees and Shrubs in the Landscape | Most trees and shrubs are susceptible to dieback and cankers caused by several species of the fungal genus Botryosphaeria. Botryosphaeria fungi are typically opportunistic pathogens. Opportunistic pathogens only cause disease on plants that are stressed. Therefore, avoiding plant stress, which predisposes plant tissue to infection and colonization by this fungal group, is the best strategy to prevent Botryosphaeria disease problems. |
Mar 16, 2015 | 450-726 (PPWS-50) | ||
Compost: What Is It and What's It To You | Feb 28, 2018 | 452-231 (CSES-204P) | |||
Pest Management Guide: Home Grounds and Animals, 2018 | This 2018 Virginia Pest Management Guide provides the latest recommendations for controlling diseases, insects, and weeds for home grounds and animals. The chemical controls in this guide are based on the latest pesticide label information at the time of writing. Because pesticide labels change, read the label directions carefully before buying and using any pesticide. Regardless of the information provided here, always follow the latest product label instructions when using any pesticide.
|
Mar 19, 2018 | 456-018 (ENTO-238P) | ||
Virginia Master Naturalist | The Virginia Master Naturalist program is a statewide corps of volunteers providing
education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural
resources and natural areas within their communities. |
Oct 27, 2014 | 465-300 (ANR-117NP) | ||
The Basics of Hardwood-Log Shiitake Mushroom Production and Marketing | Shiitake mushroom production offers an income opportunity for Virginia’s small-farm operators and smallwoodlot owners while providing enjoyment for others. It is also a relatively simple food-production activity, like gardening, that can be a hobby or used for teaching. This publication describes a technique for shiitake production and marketing that can be used and adapted
by Virginia farmers, hobbyists, or teachers. It describes common techniques based on the available research, as well as areas of disagreement and typical difficulties producers may face, such as pests. In addition to production methods, this publication describes some of the basics of the finances and marketing of shiitake mushrooms for those interested in using them for income production. |
Apr 3, 2014 | ANR-102P | ||
Virginia Master Naturalist Program Strategic Planning Report 2015-2020 | This report summarizes the findings from a strategic planning process conducted by the
Virginia Master Naturalist program in 2013-2014. The process involved three steps: a
comprehensive needs assessment to identify program needs, strategic planning workshops
to identify initiatives for addressing those needs, and online voting to prioritize
proposed initiatives. |
Apr 9, 2015 | ANR-137NP | ||
Fertilizer Applicator Certification Training | Apr 12, 2013 | ANR-66 | |||
How to Plan for and Plant Streamside Conservation Buffers with Native Fruit and Nut Trees and Woody Floral Shrubs | Sep 4, 2013 | ANR-69P | |||
Living Well Newsletter, Volume 9, Issue 1 | Aug 8, 2013 | FCS-46P | |||
Food Safety For School and Community Gardens | Creating and maintaining community and school gardens has been identified as an effective strategy to increase healthy food awareness and consumption. Unfortunately, fresh fruits and vegetables have been linked to more than 450 outbreaks of foodborne illness in the U.S. since 1990. In commercial food production, employing a set of risk-reduction steps — known as good agricultural practices (GAPs) — has been pointed to by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as the best prevention against foodborne, illness-causing pathogens. |
May 29, 2013 | FST-60P | ||
Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Application | Feb 9, 2016 | HORT-211NP | |||
Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Re-Enrollment Form | volunteer re-enrolment form |
Feb 11, 2016 | HORT-212NP | ||
For the Birds, Butterflies & Hummingbirds: Creating Inviting Habitats | Aug 1, 2014 | HORT-59NP (HORT-74NP) | |||
Care Sheet for Sabal minor or “Dwarf Palmetto” in Virginia Landscapes | Sep 5, 2013 | HORT-60NP | |||
Therapeutic Gardening | Gardening is a great activity to help maintain physical and emotional well-being.
However, it is not without its challenges, even for the able bodied. With a little
creativity, gardening can be an accessible activity and can have therapeutic value.
As a therapy, gardening is unique in that a living medium, plants, are used. This
allows the gardener to be anchored in reality. When gardeners realize that they
have an effect on something else that is living there are often positive changes
in their behavior and feelings. The term therapeutic gardening means that the
activity of gardening is designed to assure positive health outcomes and minimize
negative outcomes. |
Jul 28, 2014 | HORT-66NP (HORT-73NP) | ||
Integrated Pest Management for Plant Diseases in the Home Garden and Landscape, Learning Module I: Integrated Pest Management | Apr 22, 2015 | PPWS-14NP | |||
Integrated Pest Management for Plant Diseases in the Home Garden and Landscape, Learning Module II: The Plant Disease Triangle | Apr 22, 2015 | PPWS-15NP | |||
Impatiens Downy Mildew | May 21, 2013 | PPWS-19NP |